Immigration Visa

Question:
My wife is a USC, I'm a UKC. I got my K3 visa last summer at the London embassy and finally (last week) moved out to California to live with my wife. I have just got my appointment for my immigrant visa interview in London next month. I have some questions about the interview, etc, and would welcome the input.

* Embassy Checklist (Items To Bring To The Interview) 'Evidence of Support' The NVC wrote to my wife (the petitioner) and asked her to pay a Affidavit of Support Fee Bill. The NVC acknowledged receipt of this when they wrote to her and asked her to complete an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and to return it and the supporting financial documentation to them. This was done by certified mail. Given that the NVC have been sent the originals, I will be unable to produce them at my visa interview.

Will the NVC have forwarded them to the embassy? I have a complete photocopy of the I-864 and supporting financial documentation as submitted to the NVC. Will the fact that I can not produce the *original* I-864 and supporting financial documentation, for the reasons given, prevent my visa being issued? Any suggestions?

* Embassy Checklist (Items To Bring To The Interview) '$355 Fee' The NVC wrote to my wife (as my agent) and asked her to pay an Immigrant Visa Fee bill of $355. The NVC acknowledged receipt of this payment. Is the $355 visa fee being asked for at item N, if fact, the same fee which has already been paid? Any suggestions have to avoid paying twice?

* Once I have arrived in the US with my Immigrant Visa (but before my Green Card arrives), do I need to get any special dispensation to leave the country for short visits elsewhere? I am also confused about the evidence/affidavit of support. We have not reached this stage yet but i have read in several places that the USC sends of the I-864 with all supporting docs to the NVC, and then the same documents seem to be required at the interview. Can someone help to clear this up..??? What happens to the I-864 form + supporting docs that is sent to the NVC..??

Answer:
I have a complete photocopy of the I-864 and supporting financial documentation as submitted to the NVC.

Excellent.

Will the fact that I can not produce the *original* I-864 and supporting financial documentation, for the reasons given, prevent my visa being issued?

No, shouldn't. If you are really concerned, get another copy of the I-864 and have your wife fill it out and sign it. That way, you have another original.

I don't know what item N is, and I'm actually surprised that NVC now handles payment of that fee; I thought you usually paid the consulate directly.

* DS-230 Part II asks 'Do you want the SSA to issue you with a SSN'. I haven't yet got an SSN. Is this quicker than going to the SSA in the US once a visa has been issued. How long does it take to get the SSN? It is my understanding that if you answer yes here, the consulate will give you an SSN together with your immigrant visa.

That would indeed be quicker.

* Once I have arrived in the US with my Immigrant Visa (but before my Green Card arrives), do I need to get any special dispensation to leave the country for short visits elsewhere?

No. You will receive an I-551 stamp in your passport right at the airport that is legally equivalent to the Green Card (well, almost; there has been a case recently where legacy INS claimed that they were actually different. It's still pending in court, IIRC. Not likely to affect you at all). -- Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I encourage everybody to seek competent legal counsel